Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Warm up your soul with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe, a heartwarming classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! This dish combines tender, shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or any time you crave a bowl of pure comfort. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked goodness. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone together around the table for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes–8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a cozy, satisfying meal:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provides lean, tender protein that shreds beautifully.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup – Forms the creamy, flavorful base of the dish.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Adds depth and richness to the broth.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup) – Brings subtle sweetness and aroma.
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds (about 2 cups) – Adds color and a slight crunch.
- 4 celery stalks, sliced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1½ cups) – Contributes a fresh, savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Infuses the dish with a warm, savory note.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste) – Adds a mild kick.
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands) – Cut into small pieces for easy, fluffy dumplings.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning for extra flavor, or ½ cup frozen peas for a burst of sweetness.
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Ladle for serving
- Tongs or slotted spoon for handling dumplings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create a pot of comforting chicken and dumplings:
- Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, spreading them evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper over the vegetables. Pour in the two cans of cream of chicken soup and 3 cups of chicken broth. Gently stir the mixture to combine the soup and broth, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are coated but keeping the chicken breasts intact at the bottom. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and tender enough to shred easily. The vegetables should be soft, and the broth should be fragrant and bubbly. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does all the work, infusing the ingredients with rich, comforting flavors over time. - Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer them to a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the broth and vegetable mixture to soak up the creamy goodness. Taste the broth at this stage and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. - Add the Dumplings
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each biscuit into 6–8 small pieces (about 1-inch chunks) to form the dumplings. Drop the dough pieces evenly over the surface of the chicken and broth mixture, gently pressing them into the liquid so they’re partially submerged. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1–1½ hours, until the dumplings are puffed up, cooked through, and have a soft, fluffy texture. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain consistent heat for proper dumpling cooking. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the dumplings with the creamy broth. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, vegetables, dumplings, and broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness, if desired. Serve piping hot and savor the cozy, comforting flavors!
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these pairing ideas:
- With Bread: Serve with crusty French bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- With Veggies: Add a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe in a larger slow cooker and serve buffet-style for potlucks or family gatherings.
- With a Twist: Drizzle with a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle with grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding, but you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Dumpling Size: Cut the biscuit dough into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces may remain doughy in the center.
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water before adding the dumplings.
- Vegetable Variations: Add frozen peas, diced potatoes, or sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra heartiness.
- Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal, but a 5-quart model works if you reduce the ingredients slightly.
Variations to Try
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning to the broth for a more aromatic flavor.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Mix ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the biscuit dough pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the broth for a subtle heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade gluten-free dumplings.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream after cooking the dumplings for an extra-rich broth.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dumplings may absorb some broth over time, making the dish thicker.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave on medium power or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months, but note that the dumplings may become softer upon thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and pillowy dumplings in a creamy, soul-warming broth. The slow cooker makes preparation a breeze, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld into something truly magical. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a cozy gathering, or simply craving a nostalgic meal, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it perfect for any palate or dietary need.
